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Chippewas aim to turn over record |
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Written by Mike Smith
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Sunday, August 07 2011 |
 MOUNT PLEASANT, MI - After a glorious run in which Central Michigan frequently dominated the Mid-American Conference, CMU came back to earth last year. First-year head coach Dan Enos’ crew struggled to a 3-9 overall record and ranked fifth in the MAC West with a 2-6 mark. Two of the victories came in the first three games of the season. With a challenging schedule and some key losses, CMU will need to clean up several problem areas if it wants to improve its record this time around.
One of the overlooked team stats is turnover margin, yet turnovers are often a key part of success and the lack thereof. Central Michigan finished last in turnover margin (-11) during MAC competition. By contrast, MAC champ Miami, West Division winner Northern Illinois and this year’s overall preseason favorite Toledo owned each owned a +11 mark.
A prime example of how turnover margin either affects and/or mirrors success is Miami. The RedHawks won one game during 2009 and finished last in turnover margin at -24. However, after double-digit losses in ’09, MU made history by following it with a double-digit win season (including a MAC championship and bowl win) in 2010. Part of the turnaround is reflected in the +11 turnover margin.
Ironically, one of the Chippewas biggest assets last year was also part of its turnover problem. Central Michigan finished second in passing (all games) with 284 ypg. In the process, then-sophomore Ryan Radcliff threw 17 touchdowns. He also threw 17 interceptions. Another 11 CMU fumbles didn’t help matters, especially when five games were decided by a total of 19 points.
No doubt Enos and his staff will put the focus on turnovers early, and Radcliff should improve in his second season as a full-time starter. But the Chippewas will be missing some huge performers on defense now that Nick Bellore and Matt Berning are gone. Both were First Team All-MAC selections, and Bellore earned All-MAC honors in his final three years with the program. Now, CMU faces the task of starting a relatively new linebacking second line of defense.
OFFENSE
While the Chippewas finished second in passing offense (267.8 ypg, MAC games), they were second from last in rushing with 98.6 ypg.
Paris Cotton, a 5-9, 179-pound junior, was explosive (e.g. a 61-yard run) but inconsistent in 2009. His biggest day was a 21-carry, 209-yard, three-touchdown performance against Eastern Michigan. But Cotton had 23 yards or less four times and gained a pedestrian 40 yards on 16 carries in a 13-10 overtime loss at Temple. Sophomore Zurlon Tipton, a bigger back at 6-1, 215, carried 56 times for 203 yards and five touchdowns last year.
Getting more consistency in the running game may revolve around a more consistent lineup along the line. Injuries plagued the group last year, so the staff is anxious to get the line healthy and working as a unit. Left tackle Jake Olson, (6-8, 290, Jr), joins returning starters Eric Fisher (6-7, 295, Jr) and center Darren Keyton (6-3, 301, Jr), along with junior guard Mike Repovz (6-4, 281, Jr) along the front.
When the Chippewas turn to the pass, as they often do, Radcliff has plenty of viable targets. Cody Wilson (5-10, 186, Jr) led the receiving corps with 83 catches for 1,137 yards. His 94.8 ypg average (all games) was second among MAC receivers. Like the departed Kito Poblah, he had five touchdowns. Senior Jerry Harris, meanwhile, reeled in 30 receptions for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Senior tight end David Blackburn also had three TDs among his 22 catches for 285 yards.
DEFENSE
Central Michigan’s 387.8 ypg. ranked 10th (MAC play) in total defense for 2010. Pulling it down was a passing defense which ranked 12th among 13 teams. The Chippewas yielded 238 ypg. as opponents completed 63.2 percent of their attempts. Only two teams (Akron and Eastern Michigan) had less interceptions than CMU (6).
Junior safety Junior Jahleel Addae was a key defender as he finished third among Chippewas defenders with 80 stops. Senior Armond Staten racked up 78 tackles and lends experience to the relatively new linebacking group. His five fumbles forced (all games) was tops in the league.
With the linebacking unit in flux, CMU’s defensive line will need to continue improving. Joe Kinville, John Williams and Kashawn Frazer had 103 tackles between them in 2010, but departed linebacker Berning was credited with 102 hits and Bellore added 90.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams didn’t do the Chippewas that many favors last year, and it is an area where improvement would be more than welcome. Sophomore David Harmann returns after converting 9-of-12 field goal attempts and 23-of-26 PATs. Kickoffs and punt duties should become more clear as fall practices continues.
IN CLOSING
Central Michigan may benefit some from a schedule that brings three of the tougher MAC opponents to Mount Pleasant. Northern Illinois comes to town Oct. 1. The Chippewas wrap up the regular season with home dates against Ohio (Nov. 10) and Toledo (Nov. 18).
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